Augusta, GA
Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter hosts Tele-town Hall
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – For just under an hour, Congressman Buddy Carter was on the phone talking with constituents and answering a few questions.
Throughout that time this is what came up, VA benefits and backlogs, fear of Medicare/Medicaid programs disbanding, and why this town hall was not in person.
“Are you tired of winning?” A question to open up Congressman Buddy Carter’s town hall.
Carter took the first few minutes to praise the president’s accomplishments and thank other Republicans for their support in the House of Representatives and Senate.
The Congressman brought in a special guest speaker Texas Representative Brandon Gill. Gill spoke in support of President Trump’s Deportations and echoed Congressman Carter’s Support for Executive Order 14168.
According to the moderator, there were about 10,000 people called in at the call’s highest count. During the question and answers, around 20 questions were called in.
While the Congressman could not get to every question, he ended the call by saying if your concerns were not addressed you can make an appointment through his office.
Some of the questions that were addressed include the backlog that the VA is experiencing in claims. Carter voiced his support for local veterans while also assuring them that the VA is being looked at.
The topic of social security and benefits for elderly Americans was questioned more than once but the Congressmen says there is no risk of those programs going away.

Questions involving DOGE and their role in our government were also raised. The Congressman explained that the Department of Government’s Efficiency is only an entity, they do not have any authority but instead suggest things to parts of the government that do have authority.
Last month, Republican leaders urged members of the House of Representatives not to hold town halls in their home districts.
However, the Congressman said “throughout the week I visited all communities, but we have found that his tele-town hall is the most efficient, which is what we have been talking about, an efficient way for us to communicate with our constituents. Yes, it can get out of control when you have an in-person town hall, and I have had some and we have had some problems, and the police have asked me not to do them again. So we will continue to communicate just as I have.”
He defended the question as to why his town hall was not in-person by pointing to past in-person town halls that had ended poorly. He does recognize that although there were thousands dialed in only as few were able to speak and to that he says he wanted to continue to hear from his constituents on how he can better represent them.

The Chatham County Democratic Committee released a statement regarding Congressman Carter’s Monday night town hall meeting.
“The Chatham County Democratic Committee would like to express its disappointment in Congressman Carter’s refusal to hold an in person town hall meeting. He chose to hold a tele-meeting open only to those who subscribe to his newsletter. It’s unfortunate that he chose to ignore the majority of the people he is supposed to be representing by meeting only with the chosen few. The citizens of this congressional district need leaders who will engage with their constituents, not hide from them,” wrote the Chatham Democratic Committee in a statement.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
First Alert Forecast l Drying out and warming up for the week ahead
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Dry weather returns to the CSRA for the week ahead with temperatures warming up each day.
After a foggy start Sunday, we should see at least a few breaks in the clouds with highs near average in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Winds will be light from the southeast.
Sunday night looks partly cloudy and cool with overnight lows near 40 degrees. Wind will be calm.
Monday will be a partly sunny and mild day with highs in the middle 60s. Wind will be southwest at 2 to 6 mph.
Tuesday through Thursday…Partly sunny each day and partly cloudy night. Highs will be near 70 Tuesday, warming into the lower to middle 70s Wednesday and Thursday.
Clouds increase a bit Friday, and there could be a shower or two late in the day. Highs Friday will be in the lower to middle 70s.
Keep a close eye on the forecast if you have outdoor plans next weekend, because a frontal system moves in with a decent chance of rain Friday night into Saturday. Highs will be a touch cooler Saturday in the middle 60s.
Keep it here for regular updates and be sure to Download the WRDW First Alert Weather App to have the latest information in the palm of your hand whenever and wherever you need it.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Downtown Augusta businesses look forward to new year
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Businesses downtown are reflecting on the past and setting new goals as the new year has arrived.
2025 was a busy year for many businesses on Broad Street, as they had to contend with construction, as well as a new sheriff seeking to make the streets safer.
Art on Broad spoke about what they’re looking forward to this year.
“We are just looking forward to putting all of the madness of the holidays behind us and continuing to see our everyday regular patrons, and then the new customers that come in, because they’re here for a convention or maybe they’re passing through on a road trip. And I feel confident that we’ll continue to see good business throughout the year,” said Catherine Alexander, business manager for Art on Broad.
Coming up at News 12 at 11 p.m., we’ll talk to more businesses about what they are looking forward to in the new year, as well as what worked for them in 2025.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Suspect arreested in pair of separate Augusta shootings
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A 28-year-old man wanted in connection to two separate shootings this month has been arrested.
One of the shootings occurred on Dec. 26 and the other on Dec. 4, officials say.
The suspect, identified as Dennis Berrien, was already wanted for aggravated assault in connection with the shooting on Dec. 4 and is now also charged in the Dec. 26 incident, after which he was arrested.
On Dec. 4, deputies received reports that Berrien had been involved in an argument with his girlfriend, according to the sheriff’s office.
During the altercation, Berrien reportedly fired at least three shots in her direction before fleeing the scene. He left behind a damaged vehicle belonging to his girlfriend’s grandmother, deputies say.
On Dec. 26, investigators determined Berrien shot another person, critically injuring him, near the 2300 block of Winston Way, according to authorities.
Deputies and investigators say they quickly established a perimeter and began the initial investigation. Witnesses described the suspect, and with the help of K9 units, drones and surveillance cameras of nearby businesses, they were able to track Berrien.
Deputies located Berrien at the AM PM gas station as he exited the restroom, wearing clothing consistent with the witness description.
During the encounter, Berrien provided a false name and date of birth to an investigator, after which a corporal used a fingerprint scanner, which confirmed Berrien’s true identity, officials say. He was taken into custody without incident.
In the previous year to date of Dec. 26, the sheriff’s office reports 176 aggravated assaults with a gun compared to 269 at this time last year, a 35% decrease.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office reports 32 homicides this year compared to 49 last year to date, also a 35% decrease.
They say having more boots on the ground, combined with high visibility and technology, has been a huge asset in the past year.
“This arrest highlights the strength of our coordinated response and the professionalism of our deputies. From patrol to investigators, K9 handlers, and the use of technology like drones and fingerprint scanners, our team worked seamlessly to take a dangerous individual into custody without further harm to the public,” Sheriff Eugene Brantley said.
Berrien is currently in custody and faces two aggravated assault, criminal trespass, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime charges. There may be more charges as the investigations continue.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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